9 Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Add to Your Closet

June 30, 2020 No Comments

Calling all my fellow shopaholics! I recently shared 51 of my most-played songs by Black artists. Now, I’m happy to share my favourite Black-owned fashion brands stocked with new, eye-catching pieces. Get your credit card ready!

Atelier New Regime

Let’s kick off this listing with a Canadian company! Created and headquartered in Montreal, Atelier New Regime focuses on contemporary fashion and streetwear, mixing luxe fabrics with cool cuts and prints. The best part: All proceeds from their new Can’t Stop Won’t Stop tee ($65) will be donated to a local foundation supporting youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who says you can’t look good while doing good?!

Chen Burkett New York

Chen Burkett Instagram Feed — This outfit. I want this outfit! (photo via Chen Burkett New York on Instagram)

“To travel is to live,” says New York-based brand Chen Burkett (and I’d have to agree). Although travelling may be out of the picture for the next few months, you can start adding new “destination-inspired” pieces to your wardrobe. You’re guaranteed to find dresses, skirts and trousers that could go from the boardroom to boardwalk in the same day.

Hanifa

If Hanifa’s product photoshoots don’t make you want to buy everything on the site, I don’t know what will! (photo via Hanifa on Instagram)

Say hello to Hanifa, your new one-stop shop for bold and sophisticated designs. Don’t just take my word for it: You may recognize their orange Miya Knit Cardigan Dress from LadyGang podcaster Jac Vanek’s Instagram feed. What I love most about Hanifa is that they are all about the “woman without limits.” Their latest Pink Label Congo line, filled with stunning earth-inspired dresses, sweaters and skirts, is the perfect embodiment of this.

TIER NYC

If you’re in the market for a new sweatsuit as you continue to work from home, take a page from model Winnie Harlow’s book and check out TIER‘s cozy french terry cotton sets.

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists, Reviews

May Favourites

May 27, 2020 No Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Redbubble, SHEIN and Pura Vida Bracelets and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

As the famous saying goes, the show quarantine must go on.

Let’s start this off with an important PSA: PLEASE keep socially distancing and wearing a mask and/or gloves. If not for yourself, do it for your immunocompromised friends, parents, grandparents and neighbours. The better we keep this up, the sooner we can enjoy our beautiful summer weather!

As you do your part, stay comfortable, entertained and feeling your best with my latest faves across fashion, skincare, music, spring reads and bingeable TV.

Fashion

* Face Masks *

The Weeknd Mask, $20 // DNCE Mask, $18.82

If you haven’t already, get acquainted with our newest must-have fashion accessory. As I said in my last blog post dedicated to finding functional and fashionable masks, there’s no reason your PPE can’t be cute and true to your style.

Since I won’t be front row at their concerts anytime soon, I’m looking forward to receiving the two masks pictured above to show my support for The Weeknd and Joe Jonas’ band DNCE. Bonus: Proceeds from The Weeknd’s masks will be donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, directly helping those affected in the music industry.

* Travel-Inspired Clothing *

Anthropologie, $80 // SIMILAR STYLES: Anthropologie, $188 (Hawaii/Aloha print); SHEIN, $17 (New York print)

It may be a total tourist move, but I love travel-inspired fashion pieces that represent my favourite cities.

Pre-COVID, I was supposed to spend the majority of this month jetsetting around Europe. 😢 When I found this Nice, France top while online shopping, I took it as a sign that I’ll be able to postpone my travels to when it’s safe to do so — and snap a picture of this shirt where it’s meant to be (and not in my front yard!).

Also, if you know me, you know I have a small addiction to buying anything and everything related to Hawaii — pineapple home decor, palm tree rings, you name it. I’ll take any excuse to spark my wanderlust and bring back those memories and feelings associated with paradise!

Let me know in the comments below which travel destinations you would rep!

Skincare

* Lip Sleeping Mask | Laneige *

Sephora, $13+ (or try Laneige’s Hydration-To-Go! Normal to Dry Skin set, also from Sephora, $38)

I always feared Laneige’s best-selling Lip Sleeping Mask was just an overhyped lip balm, but I was very pleasantly surprised when I first tried it. To test it out for yourself, I highly recommend picking up a mini Good Night Kit to also score a sample size of their popular Water Sleeping Mask. The lip mask wouldn’t be an immediate repurchase for me as you can get similar results at a lower price point, but it’s a great gift to a friend or yourself (#SelfLoveClub). Bring on the smooches 💋

I’ll report back here and on Instagram @angelaaaxo with my thoughts on the mask!

* Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask | Origins *

Sephora, $17-$33

This Origins leave-on face mask is one of the best I’ve ever used. Formulated with avocado and swiss glacier water, it instantly moisturizes and smooths skin well into the morning, giving you a beautiful dewy glow without breakouts or buildup. I use it as a once-a-week treat, so the $17 mini bottle is a great deal.

* Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $29

I raved about First Aid Beauty’s Fab Faves line in my April Favourites post and it looks like I’ve found another personal holy grail. Toner is a recent re-addition to my nightly skincare routine and this FAB pick is gentle, moisturizing and perfect for sensitive skin. Also, can we take a minute to admire this visually appealing promo photo?

Fashion, General, Travel

How To Make Your Face Mask a Style Statement

May 21, 2020 No Comments

How to make your mask a fashion statement

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Redbubble and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

For the foreseeable future, face masks will be part of our day-to-day wardrobe. If it’s going to be taking up half your face, it may as well be comfortable, cute and on brand!

I already have friends ordering multiple masks to have a print ready to match every outfit, and I may or may not have more than one on the way as well. There’s no reason you can’t look and feel good while protecting yourself and those around you. Step up your mask fashion game with these *non-medical* statement-making looks!

Rep your fave artists

Fabric face masks have been a fan-favourite merch item every festival season. In light of the new demand, many artists are now giving you the chance to shout out your fandom while supporting organizations addressing the impacts of the pandemic. Net proceeds of The Weeknd’s official XO branded masks (pictured) will be donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, directly helping those affected in the music community.

You can also support fellow music fans by purchasing a unique design from a fan-owned shop on Redbubble. They have something for everyone — check out these links if you’re a fan of Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez or Khalid. I can’t wait to get my DNCE mask (Joe Jonas’ highly underrated band) made by Jonas Brothers Toronto.

Get the designer look

Craving your Gucci Gucci fix? Match your face mask to your bag with the help of online boutiques like VSOPCAM that rework authentic designer fabrics, including Gucci, Fendi and Chanel, into durable — and highly fashionable — looks. P.S. I have one of their red Chanel scrunchies and I’m obsessed. Stay tuned for a separate blog post on my latest must-have jewelry and accessories!

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists, Reviews

April Favourites

April 25, 2020 No Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Ardene, SHEIN and Pura Vida Bracelets and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

After six weeks of staying indoors, I must admit that I may be getting used to quarantine life. I can’t say no to sweats (especially if they’re tie-dye) and I’ve never been so caught up with my shows and movies. But with this current quarantine likely seeping into late spring or early summer, you’re probably in need of new recommendations for your work from home wardrobe, skincare, music library, booklist and TV nights.

Look no further than this month’s Favourites list below!

Fashion

* Tie-Dye for Days *

SIMILAR: Ardene, $7.74 *sale* // SHEIN, $27 (exact from Ardene, sold out)

I’ve tried out tie dye sweats in the past but never found the perfect mix of A) comfort + B) a cute print. Just in time for quarantine, I scored the jackpot at Ardene with this $12 pair that I could absolutely live in. As long as you have a nice top on, they’re perfect for your work from home video calls (or at least Casual Fridays).

* Rings *

SIMILAR: Pura Vida Bracelets, $20.45 *sale* // Pura Vida Bracelets, $17.53 // Pura Vida Bracelets, $14.31 *sale* (exact coin rings from Pura Vida Bracelets, sold out; middle rings from boutiques in Maui, HI)

I’m currently obsessed with rings and love the new set I picked out from the vibrant, beachy and Insta-famous Pura Vida Bracelets. My pineapple coin ring (pictured) came with “aloha” engraved on the inside (so cute!), and this palm tree ring is super dainty and stackable. Keep an eye on Pura Vida’s Instagram to hear about new sales — I got these rings for $5 USD a piece.

*** Loungewear, Loungewear & More Loungewear ***

In case you missed it, last month I posted a guide to quarantining and online shopping with six Canadian stores, all of which carry cozy, must-have loungewear. From sweats to sweatsuits and basic tees, you can score big on affordable and versatile pieces.

Read here: Quarantine and (Online) Shop With Your Fave Canadian Stores

Beauty/Skincare

If you’re reading this before April 29, you still have a chance to save up to 20% off the following products during Sephora‘s mega Spring Savings Event!

*** Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel | Saturday Skin ***

Sephora, $37

I didn’t know how little my past exfoliators were doing until I picked this up. My skin feels so smooth and every last pesky pimple laying under the surface has been drawn right out. I’ve definitely found a new holy grail product!

If any of you have tried Saturday Skin, let me know! I’d love to try out more of their products.

* SEA Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara | Tarte *

Sephora, $16-$30

I’m very picky with mascaras, but I’m a big fan of this Tarte mini. It gives the perfect buildable lash curl without smudging or flaking, and it’s clean, vegan, and cruelty and gluten free. I’m sold!

* Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer | FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna *

Sephora, $25

Once you try this lip gloss, you’ll see why it’s so quickly become a top pick. Besides the fact that it has the Rihanna seal of approval, these shades (I love FU$$Y and $weetmouth) provide all the shine without the stick. I can’t leave the house without a bottle!

* Fab Faves To Go Kit | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $40

Everyone loves a good gift set and this one is a must-have for skincare essentials, especially if you have uber-sensitive skin like me. For just $40, you get a trio of First Aid Beauty faves for clean, smooth skin — their Pure Skin Facial Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads and my personal top pick, the Ultra Repair Cream for intense hydration. They aren’t full size bottles, but the product goes a long way — and it’s an easy way to try out the line!

Fashion

Quarantine and (Online) Shop With Your Fave Canadian Stores

March 30, 2020 No Comments

As we head into another week of staying inside and self isolating, I come back to this daily question: What am I going to wear to my couch today?!

Quarantine and chill in style (and comfort) with free shipping and great savings from these Canadian retailers!

Sense of Independence Boutique

This chic boutique offers the cutest loungewear, including matching sets, tie-dye prints and graphic tees. Score free shipping sitewide with the code FREESHIP! My fellow GTA residents can shop with added confidence: You have 14 days from when their North York retail location (526 Lawrence Ave W.) reopens to return or exchange regular priced items.

Peace Collective

Rep your Canadian pride in a matching sweatsuit, or pick up a piece from their latest all-star collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants. Take advantage of free shipping across Canada and the U.S. and an extended 30-day return policy. Better yet, you can add to your wardrobe while making your money count as every garment purchased will provide 3 meals to a Canadian in need through P/C’s partner food banks.

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